Detectives investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Cecilia Devine are releasing new images of clothing and a handbag similar to those she was wearing in one of her last known sightings in the Blue Mountains as they renew their appeal for assistance.
About 12pm on Monday 18 March 2019, staff at a water treatment facility in Katoomba located human remains in the nearby Upper Cascade Creek dam.
The remains underwent extensive forensic testing, where they were confirmed to be 42-year-old Cecilia Devine. She had been reported missing from Waratah on Wednesday 5 September 2018.
Detectives from Blue Mountains Police Area Command, with the assistance of the Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Eking to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ms Devine’s death.
Earlier this year, strike force investigators released CCTV footage of Ms Devine walking from a hotel in Katoomba Street, Katoomba, on Thursday 6 September 2018.
She was wearing a distinctive bright yellow cardigan, black pants and was carrying an orange handbag at the time; all of which have not been recovered.
Police have released images of similar clothing in the hope that someone may remember seeing these items or Ms Devine in the area at the time.
Strike Force Eking’s Detective Sergeant James Allan said investigators are again seeking public assistance.
“We’ve established some strong leads into Cecilia Devine’s disappearance and death in recent months but there are still many unanswered questions,” Det Sgt Allan said.
“We are confident that there are people in the community who have information but have been reluctant to contact police and tell us what they know.
“Cecilia was wearing these distinctive items of clothing while walking down one of the main streets of Katoomba in one of her last known sightings.
“We urge you to look closely at these clothing items carefully and if you have any information, contact police as soon as possible.
“Now is the time to come forward and provide us with information so we can find out what happened to Cecilia and how she came to be where she was.”
Anyone with information about that may assist Strike Force Eking investigations is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
